Chapter 122: How wonderful it would be to have such a lady of the house.

Chapter 122: How wonderful it would be to have such a lady of the house.

After busily reconciling accounts for seven or eight days, Tang Shuyi scrutinized each entry with utmost seriousness. She noticed minor imperfections in the accounts of each property. Tang Shuyi did not dwell on these faults, nor did she pretend not to see them. Instead, she pointed them out one by one in front of the managers.

Sweat beaded on the foreheads of the managers. They had not anticipated that the Marquise would be so meticulous, noticing even the smallest discrepancies. But just as they were growing anxious, Tang Shuyi said, "Let's let it go this time, but be sure to pay attention in the future."

The managers wiped the sweat from their brows, repeatedly expressing their agreement, then left with their ledgers.

Once they had left, Tang Shuyi said to her three siblings, "There is no fish in clear water; everyone makes mistakes at times. We must allow for errors. As long as they are not grave or fundamental mistakes, there is no need to dwell on them."

The three siblings all nodded in agreement.

The next day, the managers brought over the corrected ledgers. After Tang Shuyi carefully reviewed them, she praised them, saying, "Well done."

The managers heaved a sigh of relief. This year's Marquise, although seemingly unassuming, handled matters much more sharply than before.

Tang Shuyi observed their expressions and understood that while it's true that "there is no fish in clear water," it was also necessary to reprimand when needed. Otherwise, overlooking small mistakes now could lead to larger ones later.

Returning the ledgers to the managers, Tang Shuyi also sealed twenty taels of silver for each manager as a year-end bonus. The managers, elated with their silver, departed, and the year-end accounting came to a close, allowing for a few days of rest.

A few days later, Elder Lady Qi paid a visit. Tang Shuyi had received notice beforehand, so she was already waiting at the entrance of the courtyard.

Elder Lady Qi, seated in her sedan chair, saw from afar a noblewoman in casual home attire—a light purple silk dress paired with a blue embroidered shawl and a luxurious peony bun in her hair, her makeup simple yet elegant. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly once more, regretting what might have been.

"I hope you are well, Aunt," Tang Shuyi said with a smile as she stepped forward to help Elder Lady Qi from her sedan, then escorted her inside.

"My second son caused you some trouble a while back. I, an old lady, have come today to express my thanks," Elder Lady Qi said, holding Tang Shuyi's hand.

"He Guang plays with my Yueming every day, just like our own child. There's no need for formalities," Tang Shuyi replied with a smile.

He Guang's given name was Qi He Guang.

As the two entered the house and sat down, their conversation naturally turned to Qi He Guang.

"My second son has grown up by my side, clever and agile, and very filial," Elder Lady Qi beamed with pride as she spoke of her son. After praising him, she sighed, "But I don't know what got into his father, he just can't seem to see eye to eye with him, calling him an idler and good-for-nothing."

At this point, Elder Lady Qi's face showed her irritation. She continued, "The household situation now isn't like it was when he was younger. His older brother is studious, so we have a successor. It's not an issue if our second son doesn't like studying, but his father insists on forcing him."

Tang Shuyi found it difficult to respond, as it was another family's affair. However, she was considering asking Qi Liangsheng to tutor Xiao Yuzhen, so she knew she had to make a good impression when it mattered.

After some thought, she said, "Heguang is just like my Yu Ming; neither can sit down quietly to study. Forcing them is futile."

"Right? That's what I said too," the Elder Lady Qi seemed to have found an ally.

But at that moment, Tang Shuyi added, "However, we can't let them continue to play around aimlessly. They're young and don't think about the future, so as their elders, we must plan for them."

Elder Lady Qi sighed, "You're right. Your Yu Ming has a foundation in martial arts, but my second grandson... it's worrisome."

Tang Shuyi sipped her tea with a smile and then said, "I think Heguang actually has a bit of a talent for business."

Fearing that Elder Lady Qi might look down on the status of merchants, she added, "Although merchants don't hold high status, people from families like ours won't be looked down upon. I think it's quite nice to do some business, earn some money, and live a comfortable and affluent life."

These words struck a chord with Elder Lady Qi. She too knew that her grandson wasn't destined for great things and simply hoped he could live a life of comfort and affluence.

No sooner had Tang Shuyi finished speaking than Elder Lady Qi clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Oh, you are absolutely right. There are so many people in the world; not everyone can be outstanding. It's quite nice to be affluent and at ease."

"But even a life of affluence and ease requires something to do," continued Tang Shuyi, "Being idle all day is also boring."

"Yes, yes, there must be something to do." Elder Lady Qi's thoughts were now completely aligned with Tang Shuyi's.

"I plan to establish a guild hall," Tang Shuyi shared her plans for the guild hall—its design, the projects it would undertake, and its management.

Tang Shuyi was naturally very good at making project plans sound exciting. Elder Lady Qi nodded continuously as she listened, eventually suggesting eagerly, "We should also build a stage for opera performances and include famous actors. And make a comfortable place for playing horse hanging games."

Tang Shuyi listened intently, then responded, "Ah, I’m grateful for your reminder; otherwise, I would have overlooked these details."

These words made Elder Lady Qi feel involved and even happier. Seeing that she had said enough, Tang Shuyi added, "Running such a large guild hall naturally requires a lot of people. I was thinking, since Heguang is interested in business, he could run errands for me. What do you think?"

Elder Lady Qi wasn't particularly sharp-witted; hearing her grandson being referred to as an errand boy slightly displeased her, and her face fell. Tang Shuyi noticed and realized her words were too subtle and had been misunderstood.

She clarified, "When I say 'run errands,' I don't actually mean the trivial tasks. Although I'm opening the guild hall, as a woman, there are things I cannot manage, and someone must oversee them from outside. After much thought, Heguang is the most suitable. I know his capabilities; he's smart and nimble, just not fully matured yet. With some learning, he could definitely manage the entire hall."

Now Elder Lady Qi was delighted, "Exactly, I've told you, my second grandson is obedient and a quick learner. He'll definitely do well."

Tang Shuyi nodded with a smile. What Elder Lady Qi thought didn't really matter; as long as she conveyed the message to Qi Liangsheng, that would be sufficient. Qi Liangsheng would surely understand her intentions.

The two chatted for a while longer. Although Elder Lady Qi was somewhat protective and not very shrewd, she was straightforward and had no ill intentions. Tang Shuyi wanted to foster good relations, so naturally, their conversation was pleasant. Elder Lady Qi went home with a smile still on her face.

She even said to the nanny beside her, "I never realized before, Tang Shuyi is so eloquent and capable. How nice it would be to have someone like her as the head of our family."

Having said this, she sighed heavily.